MoE Reviews Preparedness for NEET-UG 2026 Re-Examination
A high-level review meeting was convened by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with Dr. K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman ISRO to assess the preparedness for the forthcoming NEET-UG re-examination. Dr. K. Radhakrishnan is also the Chairman of the High Powered Steering Committee constituted to monitor implementation of recommendations on National Testing Agency (NTA).
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Higher Education, Director General of the NTA, senior officials of the NTA, and representatives from the Ministry of Education.
During the meeting, the DG, NTA briefed the members on the additional measures undertaken to strengthen examination security and ensure the smooth conduct of the examination. This included a comprehensive assessment of the existing surveillance mechanisms and plans for their further augmentation.
While emphasizing that examination security remains of paramount importance, Shri Pradhan stressed that equal priority must be given to ensuring adequate facilities and a student-friendly environment at examination centres across the country.
The NEET-UG Re-examination is scheduled to be held on 21st June, 2026 at over 5400 Examination Centres in 550 cities across the country.
Expanding CBI Investigation into Alleged Paper Leak
The CBI investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has intensified, with investigators uncovering what appears to be a coordinated network involving coaching centres, teachers, middlemen, and possible exam-related insiders. Over the past few weeks, the agency has made multiple arrests across Maharashtra and other states, taking the total number of accused to 13. Investigators are continuing to trace money trails, identify the full chain of distribution, and determine whether any officials connected to exam administration played a role in facilitating the alleged leak.
Dgital evidence recovered during raids includes WhatsApp chats, financial transaction records, electronic devices, and documents that allegedly match the actual NEET question paper. One WhatsApp contact saved under the name “God” reportedly became a key lead that helped investigators trace links between members of the suspected leak network. The CBI is also examining claims that selected students were given access to questions through “special coaching sessions” conducted shortly before the examination.
Among those arrested in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation so far include P. V. Kulkarni – retired chemistry lecturer from Pune, alleged source of leaked paper; Manisha Gurunath Mandhare (Waghmare) – professor/teacher from Pune Dr. Manoj Shirure – pediatrician from Latur; Tejas Harshadkumar Shah – physics teacher from a Pune coaching institute; Manisha Havaldar – Pune school headmistress accused of reconstructing physics questions from memory; Shivraj Motegaokar – coaching centre operator from Latur, repeatedly named in reports linked to the leak network; Sanjeev Mukhiya – alleged interstate exam-racket mastermind mentioned in investigation reports.
A major focus of the probe is a coaching institute in Latur, Maharashtra, where investigators suspect the leaked paper may have been circulated in advance.
Supreme Court Monitoring and Legal Challenges
Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court seeking reforms in the NTA, stronger safeguards for national-level examinations, and in some cases demands for a re-examination. The Court is monitoring developments while the investigation continues.
Parliamentary Scrutiny and Political Fallout
The controversy has also reached the political and judicial level. A Parliamentary Standing Committee has begun reviewing the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the progress of the investigation.
Calls for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan have intensified following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and the subsequent CBI investigation. Opposition parties, student organisations, and activist groups have accused the Education Ministry and the National Testing Agency (NTA) of failing to protect the integrity of India’s largest medical entrance examination.
The strongest political attack has come from Rahul Gandhi, LoP, who publicly stated that protests would continue until Pradhan resigns. Gandhi argued that the “future of 22 lakh students” had been compromised and accused the government of administrative failure in handling the examination system.
Student organisations linked to the Congress party, particularly the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), have organised protests in several cities including Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Jaipur. Demonstrators demanded:
- resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan,
- dissolution or restructuring of the NTA,
- and a transparent, court-monitored investigation.
In Bhubaneswar, NSUI workers held a major rally specifically targeting Pradhan, who is politically associated with Odisha. Protesters alleged that repeated exam irregularities under the current administration had destroyed trust in national entrance examinations.
The controversy has also spread heavily across social media. Viral campaigns, petitions, Instagram reels, and online movements have demanded Pradhan’s removal from office. One satirical online movement called the “Cockroach Janta Party” even launched a public petition calling for his resignation over the alleged leak.
Government Response and Proposed Reforms
The government has defended Dharmendra Pradhan and maintained that corrective action is already underway. The Centre transferred the case to the CBI, announced a NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, and declared that from 2027 onward the examination would transition to a computer-based format in an effort to reduce the risk of future leaks.
Pradhan has repeatedly stated that strict action will be taken against all individuals found guilty in the case. Despite mounting protests and political pressure, there has been no indication so far that the government is considering his resignation.
